Chapter 296
Willa didn’t lose sleep over the secret she carried. The risk of being caught never crossed her mind. Every sketch had been double-checked, and not a single clue remained that could tie the designs back to Noelle. Fortune seemed to be smiling directly on her, and the thought of giving up didn’t even cross her mind.
Those drawings now belonged to her, and no one could say otherwise. When the reporter posed the question, Willa responded with a gentle, modest smile. “Oh, I couldn’t possibly compare myself to the veterans. Their achievements are truly extraordinary.”
That touch of humility only won her more admirers among the press. Curiosity flared as another reporter chimed in, “People have noticed your style feels reminiscent of Rhoda’s. What’s your response to that?”
A soft laugh escaped her lips. “Rhoda stands at the pinnacle of fashion. I’ve always admired her work, so maybe I ended up channeling some of her style without even realizing it.”
Nods and approving murmurs followed. To the reporters, it was clear—Rhoda was Willa’s muse.
From a short distance away, Maxton observed the scene with a rare, affectionate expression, his stern features giving way to pride. In his eyes, Willa was nothing less than a good luck charm. Her talent had pulled the Moss family brand out of the ashes, sparking a new era of prosperity for them all. If anyone deserved the Moss family name, it was Willa, whose hard work kept their legacy alive.
Thoughts of Noelle left a bitter taste. Keeping her away was a relief. More than ever, Maxton was convinced that showing Noelle the door had been his wisest choice yet.
The mention of Rhoda brought something else to mind—a hopeful glimmer as he remembered the email he’d sent, inviting Rhoda to lead Moss Corporation’s creative team. With no official response in hand, hope lingered—Rhoda hadn’t given a firm no. Rumors were swirling that Rhoda herself might appear at this very showcase. Maybe, just maybe, she was coming for the Moss family’s sake.
Meanwhile, Noelle, flanked by Ansell and Farrell, walked in through the main doors. The reporters wasted no time, rushing toward the newcomers in a flurry of excitement.
𝘗𝗈pula𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿і𝗲ѕ o𝘯 𝘨𝖺ln𝘰𝗏е𝗅ѕ.𝖼o𝘮
“Mr. White, you’re known for co-founding Girood and having a close connection with Rhoda. There’s talk that she’ll be at today’s event. Can you confirm it, or share anything at all?”
Casting a sidelong glance at Noelle, Ansell surveyed the sea of eager faces. He nearly broke into laughter—if only they realized Rhoda was standing right there among them.
A reporter raised a brow, his tone laced with doubt. “Mr. White, you’re clearly close with Noelle, but today’s a professional design event. What was your reason for bringing her here?”
Ansell, sharp in his custom-fitted suit, nonchalantly adjusted his collar and replied in a calm, measured tone, “Noelle has some background in design—that’s why she’s here with me.”
What?
Noelle knew how to design?
The room stirred with surprise, and within seconds the questions started rolling in. “Are you into fashion design? Do you have any completed pieces? How would you rate your skill level?”
.